At Ridge Street and Washington Avenue, a cluster of 1880s mining-era buildings was renovated into a working arts campus rather than demolished — and each one keeps its story. The J.R. Hodges Tin Shop (1883), which once turned out miners' lunch pails and ceiling panels, is now a live/work studio for visiting artists. The Fuqua Livery Stable (1880), renovated in 2008 with its horse stalls and hayloft intact, hosts workshops and artist-in-residence demonstrations. The relocated Quandary Antiques Cabin holds children's classes.

Purpose-built additions — a Hot Shop for glass, a Ceramic Studio — were designed to match the district's historic character, and nonprofit Breck Create runs the whole campus.

The grounds are free to wander daily, just steps from Main Street; year-round classes, open studios, campus crawls and maker events are the way in deeper.